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Copernicus Incubation Programme: Now Open for Applications

Copernicus Incubation Programme

11/01/2018

Earth observation and big data from the Copernicus programme offer unique insights into life on Earth, its environment and people. The Copernicus Incubation Programme launched by the European Commission supports European entrepreneurs and start-ups working with these data to create innovative, commercially viable products and services. This initiative is part of the Copernicus Start-up Programme.

The programme will yearly award up to 50,000 EUR to 20 start-ups working with Copernicus data and services, either in the early incubation of a working product or in the phase leading up to launch. The programme aims to support innovative entrepreneurs with international growth potential to boost the use of Copernicus data and services.

The next submission deadline is 15 March 2018.

Requirements and conditions

Start-ups receive up to 50,000 EUR and up to 85% of the total costs described in their application to the programme.

Co-funding is required for at least 15% of the total costs. Any co-funding source is eligible, such as business angels, subsidy programmes, investors, another incubation programme or the start-up itself. In-kind contributions such as office space or coaching hours cannot be admitted as part of the required co-funding.

The funding covers costs up to 1 year.

Selected start-ups receive 50% of the total grant as pre-financing. Remaining payment happens at the end based on accountancy statements to prove costs.

Lead time for the incubation support is approximately 4 weeks after the announcement of selection results.

Who can apply?

You are either a start-up or a team of entrepreneurs with a maximum of five years of operational history since the registration of your business. You may be at the early incubation stage or preparing for launch and scaling. Applicants should set up a company in in any EU28 country, Iceland or Norway before receiving any funding from the programme (but not necessarily before applying).

This programme is meant for joint applications – The start-up is required to apply together with a support programme that agrees to incubate the start-up if it receives the funding. The start-up remains the lead applicant and sole beneficiary of the funding.

Application process and selection deadlines

The programme runs until 2020 and will evaluate applications 3-4 times a year.

The Copernicus Incubation Programme is implemented by Verhaert. Masters in Innovation, based in Belgium. For more information, requirements and guidelines, go to www.copernicus-incubation.eu.